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Ashraf played in both one-day internationals against Scotland in United Arab Emirates last month, taking 2-39 off nine overs in their eight-wicket win, although he could do little six days later as the Afghanis lost by 150 runs.

The 26-year-old also took the first two wickets in Afghanistan's World Cup opener, as Bangladesh slumped to 119-4 by the 30th over before recovering to win by 105 runs.

"Yes, we have one serious injury from Mirwais Ashraf, so maybe it's very serious," Ahmadi said ahead of Thursday's match with Scotland.

When asked to confirm if Ashraf would not play in Dunedin, Ahmadi replied "yeah", before explaining the rest of the squad is fit: "Yeah, everyone is okay now."

Ashraf's injury could neuter what is arguably Afghanistan's greatest strength - their early bowling.

Alongside Ashraf, Hamid Hassan, Shapoor Zadran and Dawlat Zadran have given Afghanistan good starts with the ball, with Sri Lanka stumbling to 51-4 in the first 12 overs of their run chase on Sunday.

While Sri Lanka recovered in Dunedin to win by four wickets, Ahmadi believes his team's bowling attack can trouble any side at the World Cup.

"This is very good for us...our bowling, this is one of the good bowling in tournament," he said.